Anaesthesia
-
A case of an allergic reaction to Syntocinon (synthetic oxytocin) administered during Caesarean section is reported.
-
Comparative Study
Volume-controlled high frequency positive pressure ventilation for upper abdominal surgery. A clinical report.
Volume-controlled high-frequency positive pressure ventilation was evaluated and compared to intermittent positive pressure ventilation during anesthesia in 74 patients undergoing biliary tract surgery. There were no statistically significant differences in oxygenation or ventilation. Significantly lower airway pressures and lower tidal volumes were recorded during high frequency positive pressure ventilation. ⋯ Used intra-operatively, it also produced a quiet operative field, which the surgeons appreciated during cannulation of the biliary duct and stapling of the stomach. At the end of the anaesthesia, high frequency positive pressure ventilation was superimposed on spontaneous breathing and operated as a new mode of intermittent mandatory ventilation. This reduced the risk of hypoxia at the time of emergence from anaesthesia and at tracheal suctioning.
-
A case is reported of a 23-year-old man who became hypothermic within 4 hours of exposure. Full physical recovery occurred within 5 hours of an asystolic cardiac arrest using simple rewarming techniques.
-
The depth of the epidural space at different intervertebral interspaces was measured in 1000 parturients. Overall the median distance from the skin to the epidural space was 4.7 cm, but this varied with the lumbar interspace at which it was measured, being greatest at the third (L3-4) interspace (4.93 cm) and least at the first (L1-2) interspace (4.23 cm). The clinical significance of these findings is discussed.
-
Bilateral compression of the jugular veins to raise temporarily cerebral venous pressure, is a manoeuvre recommended frequently in the immediate management of venous air embolism during neurosurgery. One method of compressing the neck veins is to inflate a pneumatic cuff secured around the neck with adhesive tape. This method of neck vein compression had been assessed in upright anaesthetised sheep and found to be an easily controlled and efficient way to raise the cerebral venous pressure. Advantages, dangers and potential problems associated with the use of an inflatable cuff in the clinical situation are discussed.